230-E. UB356ZH.fm Page 1 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM UBC800XLT OWNER S MANUAL OWNER S MANUAL

Transcription

1 230-E UB356ZH.fm Page 1 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM UBC800XLT OWNER S MANUAL OWNER S MANUAL

2 UB356ZH.fm Page 2 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Precautions Before use this scanner, please read and observe the following. EARPHONE WARNING! Be sure to use only a mono earphone with this scanner. You can also use an optional 32 ohms stereo headset. Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo headset might be potentially hazardous to your hearing. The output of the phone jack is monaural, but you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo headset. Set the volume to a comfortable audio level coming from the speaker before plugging in the mono earphone or a stereo headset of the proper impedance (32 ohms). Otherwise, you might experience some discomfort or possible hearing damage if the volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the volume control or squelch control setting. This might be particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in the ear canal. WARNING! Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. DPL, Digital Private Line, Motorola, PL, PRIVACY PLUS, Private Line, SMARTNET, and SMARTZONE are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. LTR is a registered trademark of E.F. Johnson Co. EDACS is a registered trademark of M/A-COM Private Radio Systems Inc. Uniden and Bearcat are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. Trunk Tracker, Trunk Tracking, and Close Call are proprietary trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the property of their respective holders. 2

3 UB356ZH.fm Page 3 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Power Related Issues Important: To prevent memory from being corrupted, do not unplug the AC adapter during the time the memory is accessed for programming or auto store. Notes: If when you connect the AC adapter the [VOL] /Power Switch is ON, the scanner may not power on. Should this occur, simply turn the control OFF, then ON again. If the scanner loses power (as when you turn off your car s ignition with the scanner s power switch on), it can lose some system settings such as display color and backlight. To ensure that such settings persist, either change the setting using the scanner s menu or power the scanner off then back on using the power switch after making such setting changes.when you turn off the scanner using the power switch, the scanner remembers the last settings and mode. When you turn power back on, it resumes the previous mode. Precautions 3

4 UB356ZH.fm Page 4 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Table of Contents Precautions... 2 Power Related Issues... 3 Table of Contents... 4 Introduction... 9 FEATURE SUMMARY BAND COVERAGE Feature Highlights General GPS Search Auto Store Priority PC Control and Cloning Memory Storage Limits Search Lockout Limits About This Manual Using the Scroll Control How the Scanner s Controls Are Represented in This Manual Entering Text Within A Menu Option Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT Understanding the Scanner s Memory Understanding Quick Keys What is Scanning? What is Searching? What is CTCSS/DCS? Conventional Scanning Simplex Operation Repeater Operation What is Trunk Tracking? Trunked Scanning Types of Trunking Systems Motorola Trunking EDACS Trunking LTR Trunking Startup Configuration Setup/Operation Multi-Site Trunking I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) Where To Get More Information Information On The Internet

5 UB356ZH.fm Page 5 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Included With Your Scanner Setting Up Your Scanner Base Station Setting Up an Audio Recording Device or Computer Recording Vehicle Installation Mounting Using the Bracket Mounting Using the DIN-E Sleeve (Optional hardware) Removing the Scanner from the DIN-E Sleeve Mounting Using ISO Technique Removing the Display Sticker Connecting an Optional Antenna Connecting an Earphone/Headphone Connecting an Extension Speaker...36 Controls, Keys, and Functions A Look At The Display Operation Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch Startup Key Operation Conventional Trunked Search Range Scanning Systems Selecting Systems to Scan Selecting System Channel Groups...45 Locking/Unlocking Systems Locking/Unlocking Channels ID Scan/ID Search Mode Holding On a System Holding On a Channel Quickly Storing an ID During ID Search Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group ID s (TGID) Trunking Activity Indicators Toggling the Display Mode Using the Menu Programming General Settings Setting and Using the Backlight Setting the Dimmer Adjusting the Key Beep Setting the Audio AGC Setting the Display Orientation Adjusting the Display Contrast Setting the GPS Format Setting the Position Format Setting the Time Format Setting the Time Zone Setting the Distance Units Setting the Serial Port Speed Table of Contents 5

6 UB356ZH.fm Page 6 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Displaying Scanner Information Viewing Memory Used Viewing the Firmware Version Initializing the Scanner s Memory Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer Volume/Squelch with PC Control Wired Cloning Programming Your Scanner System Settings System Options Site Settings Channel Settings Programming Conventional Systems Programming Trunked Radio Systems Programming System Settings Editing the System Name Specifying the Correct System Type Programming System Options Programming Sites Programming Channel Groups Setting Up a Channel Group Editing a Channel Group Name Setting the Group Quick Key Editing Channels Locking Out Channel Groups Deleting Channel Groups Programming Channels Creating a Channel Editing the Channel Name (Alpha Tag) Editing Frequencies Editing the Talk Group ID Selecting CTCSS/DCS Tones Quick CTCSS/DCS Save Setting Channel Modulation Method Setting Channel Attenuation Setting Channel Priority Setting Channel Alert Setting Channel Record Searching and Storing Service Search Quick Search Custom Search Editing a Custom Search Range Search With Scan Set Delay Time Set Attenuator Set Record Assigning a Search Range to a Search Key

7 UB356ZH.fm Page 7 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Saving a Found Channel (Quick Save) Auto Search and Store Selecting a System to use for Storing Conventional Search and Store...92 Trunked Search and Store Using the Close Call Feature Setting Close Call Options Close Call Hits Close Call Hits with Scan Search and Close Call Options Managing Locked-Out Frequencies Unlocking All Frequencies Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies Searching for Subaudible Tones...99 Screening Out Broadcast Sources Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value Setting the Modulation Type Setting Attenuation Setting Data Skip Setting the Delay Time Setting the Search Frequency Step Setting Air Band Step Setting Record Priority Scan Fire Tone-Out Setting Tone-Out Standby Setting Up Tone-Out Tone-Out Multi-Channel Monitoring Set Record Using the UBC800XLT with a GPS Device Compatibility Connecting Your Scanner to a GPS Device Initial Scanner/GPS Operation Location-Based (GPS) Scanning Non-Radio Location Based GPS Features Setting the Options Deleting a Location For POI Only For Dangerous Xing, and Dangerous Road Only GPS Review Location Mode Care and Maintenance General Use Location Cleaning Birdies Table of Contents 7

8 UB356ZH.fm Page 8 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Troubleshooting Other Specifications Reference Preset Fleet Maps User Defined Fleet Maps Type I Programming Information Size Code Restrictions CTCSS Frequencies DCS Codes Appendix SERVICE SEARCH RANGES Air Marine CB AM Radio CB FM Radio PMR LPD Index Declaration of Conformity

9 UB356ZH.fm Page 9 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Introduction Your UBC800XLT scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with Trunk Tracker III and automatic scanning capabilities. You can store in the dynamic memory conventional frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communications. You can store and scan services that use Trunked Radio Systems and so much more. You can use the scanner s Scroll Control to quickly select channels and frequencies, and you can automatically program channels in a system using the Auto Store feature. Use your scanner to monitor: Analog trunked systems (unencrypted only) Police and fire departments (including rescue and paramedics) Business/Industrial radio and utilities Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands Air band Railroad These table list the frequency ranges, default frequency step and default mode (AM or FM). To select a band plan from 1,2 and 3; 1. Make sure the power is turned off. 2. While holding down 1,2 or 3 (corresponding number of the band plan) and Function knob, turn on the scanner. Introduction 9

10 UB356ZH.fm Page 10 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM BAND COVERAGE < Band Plan 1 > FEATURE SUMMARY Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge Upper Edge Modulation Step (khz) Remark FM FM FM FM FMB AM / 8.33 AIR BAND FM FM FM FM FM WFM FM AM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM

11 UB356ZH.fm Page 11 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM < Band Plan 2 > Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge Upper Edge Modulation Step (khz) Remark FM FM FM 20 with 15kHz Offset FMB AM / 8.33 AIR BAND FM FM FM FM FM FM FM WFM FM AM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM 12.5 FEATURE SUMMARY 11

12 UB356ZH.fm Page 12 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM < Band Plan 3> Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge Upper Edge Modulation Step (khz) Remark FM FM FM FM FMB AM / 8.33 AIR BAND FM FM FM FM FM WFM FM AM FM FM FM FM FM FM FM 12.5 These Frequency Ranges suit to initial step setting. Step setting will change them. These Modulations are initial settings. They can be selected from AM / FM / NFM / WFM / FMB / AUTO. These Steps are initial settings. Steps can be selected from 5 / 6.25 / 8.33 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 50 / 100 / AUTO (khz). If AUTO is selected for Modulation or Step, the scanner works with the modulation or step of this table. If the Step is set to 15 khz, inputable frequencies are xxx.x000, xxx.x150, xxx.x300, xxx.x450, xxx.x600, xxx.x750, and xxx.x900. For example, the next frequency of MHz is MHz. If the Step is set to 8.33kHz, inputable frequencies are xxx.x000, xxx.x083, xxx.x166, xxx.x250, xxx.x333, xxx.x416, xxx.x500, xxx.x583, xxx.x666, xxx.x750, xxx.x833, and xxx.x916. For example, the next frequency of MHz is MHz. 12

13 UB356ZH.fm Page 13 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Feature Highlights General DIN-E and ISO Vehicle Mountable using an included DIN-E sleeve or a standard ISO technique, the scanner can be easily mounted in most vehicles. Close Call RF Capture Technology Instantly detects and tunes to nearby transmissions with no additional programming. See Using the Close Call Feature on Page 94 for more information. Close Call Do-Not-Disturb Checks for Close Call activity in between channel reception so active channels are not interrupted. Close Call Temporary Store Temporarily stores and scans the last 10 Close Call hits so that you can continue to monitor activity on those frequencies, even after you are out of Close Call detection range. Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory Your scanner s 6,000 channels are organized so that it more closely matches how radio systems actually work, making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left. 100 Quick Keys You can set the scanner so you can quickly select systems and groups by using the keypad. This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock out those systems or groups you don t want to scan. 6 Service Searches Frequencies are preset in separate Air, Marine, CB AM Radio, CB FM Radio, PMR and LPD, to make it easy to search for specific transmissions. Soft Search Keys Lets you quickly search specified ranges. Channel Lockout You can lock out any system, group, frequency, or channel while scanning. If you lock out a system or group, any channels belonging to that system or group are also locked out. Frequency Lockout You can lock out up to 500 frequencies (250 permanently locked out temporarily locked out). The scanner skips locked-out frequencies while using the Close Call feature or while searching. CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes Prevent interference from stations not using the tone code you select. Audio AGC Helps automatically balance the volume level between different radio systems. FEATURE SUMMARY 13

14 UB356ZH.fm Page 14 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Fire Tone-Out Standby Lets you set the scanner to alert you if a two-tone sequential page is transmitted. You can set up to 10 settings (transmit frequency, tone frequencies) then select one for standby monitoring. Up to ten tone-outs on the same RF setting can be scanned at one time. Broadcast Screen Lets you input up to 10 frequency ranges that the scanner will ignore during Close Call or search operation. Scan/Search Delay The scanner pauses at the end of a transmission to wait for a reply. You can set the delay time for each system you scan, and while searching and using the Close Call feature. Attenuator Reduces the input strength of strong signals by about 20 db. Channel Alert Alerts you when there is activity on any channel you specify using your choice of nine unique alert tones. Memory Check Lets you see at a glance how much total memory is left. Search with Scan Operation Lets you include selected service searches or custom search ranges during normal scan operation. Custom Alerts For each alert in the scanner (such as channel alert, Close Call alert, emergency alert), you can select from 9 different tone patterns and also set the alert volume level independently from the main volume level. Automatic Channel Step Accepts frequencies on any valid channel step, even if it does not fall within the band plan s default step. Frequency Step Lets you select a frequency step (5, 6.25, 8.33, 10, 12.5,15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 khz) for manual mode and search mode. Text Tagging You can name each system, group, channel, talk group ID and custom search range using up to 16 characters per name. Data Skip Allows your scanner to skip unwanted data transmissions and reduces the effect of birdies. Duplicate Frequency Alert Alerts you if you try to enter a duplicate name or frequency already stored in a system. Memory Backup If power is lost or disconnected, the scanner retains the frequencies you programmed in its memory. Temporary Lockout Makes it easy to temporarily lock out a system, channel, or frequency. The lockout is cleared when you turn power off, then back on so you don t have to remember to unlock the channels later. 14

15 UB356ZH.fm Page 15 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Startup Configuration Lets you easily manage multiple configurations for your scanner. Single-Handed Function Control Operation You can tap the Function/Scroll Control to enable the Function mode. It reverts to normal mode in about 3 seconds from your last press if no other action occurs. Record Output Jack Using the appropriate cable and audio recording device with signal control, you can record live audio of designated channels. Display and Keypad Backlight Makes the display and keypad easy to see in dim light using three levels plus off. Vehicle Power Connection (Orange Wire) Lets you connect to your vehicle s dimmer circuit to also dim the scanner s display with the vehicle s dimmer control. Trunk Tracker III Operation Follows unencrypted conversations on analog Motorola, EDACS, EDACS SCAT, and LTR trunked radio systems, including systems in VHF, UHF, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz bands. The scanner can scan both conventional and trunked systems at the same time. Multi-Site Trunking Lets you share system channels across multiple sites to more efficiently use the scanner s memory and more easily select sites to monitor. Control Channel Only Scanning If the scanner is set to scan a Motorola system, you can set it so it scans using only control channel data. You do not have to program voice channel frequencies into memory in this mode as long as all possible control channels are programmed. GPS Location Based Scanning If you connect a GPS unit to the scanner it can automatically enable and disable systems based on the Location Information (longitude, latitude, Range) that you provide. GPS Non-Radio Based Features The scanner alerts you to Dangerous Intersections, Speed Alerts, and Points of Interest that you program into the scanner. GPS Display Mode Lets you display extended GPS information such as Distance to a POI, Direction to a POI, Time to a POI, Speed, Position, and more. Search Service Search Lets you quickly select and search the scanner s preprogrammed frequencies. FEATURE SUMMARY 15

16 UB356ZH.fm Page 16 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Custom Search Lets you program up to 10 custom search ranges. You can search any of these ranges simultaneously. CTCSS/DCS Search Lets the scanner search for CTCSS or DCS tones or codes on any channel or during a search. The scanner can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes. Quick Search Lets you search from the currently-tuned frequency if you are searching a conventional system. Auto Store Frequency AutoStore Automatically stores all active frequencies into the selected conventional system. Talk Group ID AutoStore Automatically stores all new talk group ID s into a channel group you select. Priority Priority Scan Priority channels let you keep track of activity on your most important conventional channel(s) while monitoring transmissions on other channels. Priority Plus You can set the scanner so it scans only the priority channels. PC Control and Cloning PC Control You can transfer programming data to and from your scanner and your personal computer, and control the scanner using a computer. This helps you find frequencies listed on the Internet and load them into the scanner. PC control and programming software will be available at Clone Mode You can clone all programmed data, including the contents of the scanner s memory, menu settings, and other parameters from one UBC800XLT scanner to another UBC800XLT scanner. 16

17 UB356ZH.fm Page 17 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Memory Storage Limits Systems Sites Sites per Systems Groups per System Total Channels Channels per Conventional Systems Channels per Trunked Systems Trunked Frequencies per Site* * depending on the number of TGID in the system. Search Lockout Limits Frequencies Temporary L/O Frequencies Permanent L/O Frequencies Skipped Review Search Mode Close Call Mode Menu Mode About This Manual The screen displays used in this manual are representations of what might appear when you use your scanner. Since what you see depends on the frequencies and user IDs for your area and the settings you select, you might notice some differences between what is in this manual and what appears on your scanner. To get the most from this manual, review the contents to become familiar with the basic functions available. If you are new to scanning or trunk tracking, start with the following short introduction to scanning and follow-up with the enclosed reprinted article on Programming provided with the courtesy of Popular Communications magazine. Using the Scroll Control [FUNC] The Scroll Control is a dual purpose control. It also lets you switch to secondary function operations. When used in this manner, you see F in this manual. Located prominently on the right of the UBC800XLT s front panel, the knob/switch lets you easily control channel selection, plus Normal and Function Modes, as well as how most of the information appears on the display. To adjust menu settings, change channels in Hold mode, and resume scanning: Simply turn the Scroll Control. FEATURE SUMMARY 17

18 UB356ZH.fm Page 18 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM To use F tap the Scroll Control. This action is written in shorthand as F which is fully explained in the next section. When you tap the control f appears and remains in the upper left corner of the display for 3 seconds. During this time, press any button to access the button s second function. Or, press and hold the Scroll Control for 2 seconds. The scanner beeps, and the function is latched so that is does not return to normal mode until you tap the Scroll Control again. f flashes at approximately 1 second intervals. If you select Function while scanning, the UBC800XLT continues to scan, but holds on the current system until the function operation is cancelled. How the Scanner s Controls Are Represented in This Manual To help navigate the scanner s menus, the steps shown in this manual show the displays you see and the keys you press or control you operate to get a desired result. We use a form of shorthand symbols to save space. The following example shows you how to use the scanner s menu to edit an existing system name. It shows you the key to press in brackets [MENU] to select a menu option and the option you see on the LCD in Boldface Courier type (Program System) when you press [MENU]. It also instructs you to turn the Scroll Control (shown as ) to view a series of choices then press or tap the Scroll Control (the shorthand action shown as F to enter a choice such as Edit Name. [MENU] Program System F Select the system F Edit Name F Then, edit the system name. Entering Text Within A Menu Option To enter a letter, turn the Scroll Control ( ) until the letter, numeral or other character you want appears. To move the cursor to the left, press [4]. To move the cursor to the right, press [6]. To clear a character, press [.No] twice. To clear all characters, press [.No] three times. To accept an entry, press F or press [EYES]. To cancel an entry, press [MENU]. 18

19 UB356ZH.fm Page 19 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT This section provides you with additional background on how scanning works and how your scanner provides that feature. You don t really need to know all of this to use your scanner, but some further background knowledge will help you get the most from your UBC800XLT. Understanding the Scanner s Memory Your scanner s memory is organized in an architecture called Dynamic Allocated Channel memory. This type of memory is organized differently and more efficiently than the bank/channel architecture used by traditional scanners. Dynamic Allocated design matches how radio systems actually work much more closely, making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left. Instead of being organized into separate banks and channels, your scanner s memory is contained in a pool. You simply use as much memory as you need in the pool to store as many frequencies, and talk group ID s as desired. No memory space is wasted, and you can tell at a glance how much memory you have used and how much remains. With a traditional scanner, when you program it to track a trunked system, you must first program the frequencies. Since you can only program one trunking system per bank in a traditional scanner, if there were (for example) 30 frequencies, the remaining channels in the bank are not used and therefore wasted. Also, since some trunked systems might have hundreds of talk groups, you would have had to enter those types of systems into multiple banks in order to monitor and track all the ID s. Understanding Quick Keys Traditional Banked scanners let you select and deselect banks by pressing a single digit on the keypad. The UBC800XLT uses a similar method to turn on and off scanning sites and systems. When you program a system or site, you assign a quick key (System/Site Quick Key, or SQK) from 0 to 99. You can use the same quick key for multiple systems, so that the systems are turned on and off together. To turn a system/site on or off, just press the digit corresponding to the assigned SQK. For two-digit SQK s, first press [.No], then enter the two-digit SQK. The UBC800XLT lets you assign another quick key to a group of channels within a system. This group quick key (GQK) can be from 0-9. To turn on and off channel groups, you press F while the scanner is scanning the system containing the Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT 19

20 UB356ZH.fm Page 20 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM channels, then press the GQK within 2 seconds. Systems can have up to 20 channel groups, and multiple channel groups can be assigned to the same GQK. What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. Your UBC800XLT scans programmed channels until it finds an active frequency, then stops on that frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until the scanner receives another transmission. What is Searching? The UBC800XLT can search each of its 6 service search ranges and up to 10 custom search ranges to find active frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed into the scanner s channels. You set the upper and the lower values of the range and then the scanner searches for any active frequency within the limits you specify. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops on that frequency as long as the transmission lasts. If you think the frequency is interesting, you can program it into the scanner s memory. If not, you can continue to search. What is CTCSS/DCS? Your scanner can monitor systems using a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) system, which allow squelch to open only when the tone you have programmed with a specific frequency is received along with a transmission. CTCSS and DCS are sub-audible tone signaling systems sometimes referred to as PL or DPL (Motorola s trademarked terms for Private Line and Digital Private Line respectively). CTCSS and DCS are used only for FM signals and are usually associated with both amateur and commercial two-way frequencies. These systems make use of a special sub-audible tone that accompanies a transmitted signal. CTCSS and DCS are used for many purposes. In many cases, CTCSS and DCS are used to restrict access to a commercial repeater, so that only those units which transmit the correct tone along with their signal can talk to the repeater. CTCSS and DCS are also used in areas that receive interference where there are several stations with output frequencies close to each other. When this occurs, you might hear multiple communications on the same frequency. The stations might 20

21 UB356ZH.fm Page 21 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM even interfere with each other to the point where it is impossible to clearly receive any of the stations. A scanner, such as your UBC800XLT, equipped with CTCSS and DCS, can code each received frequency with a specific sub-audible CTCSS or DCS frequency or code. Then, when you receive multiple signals, you only hear the transmission with the CTCSS or DCS tone you programmed. If you do not receive the correct tone with a signal, the scanner s squelch remains closed and you hear nothing. The tables showing the available CTCSS frequencies and DCS codes are found in the Reference Section of this manual. Conventional Scanning Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept. Each group of users in a conventional system is assigned a single frequency (for simplex systems) or two frequencies (for repeater systems). Any time one of them transmits, their transmission always goes out on the same frequency. Up until the late 1980s, this was the primary way that radio systems operated. Even today, there are many 2-way radio users who operate using a conventional system: Aircraft Amateur radio LPD/PMR users Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations Many business radio users When you want to store a conventional system, all you need to know are the frequencies they operate on. When you are scanning a conventional system, the scanner stops very briefly on each channel to see if there is activity. If there isn t, the scanner quickly moves to the next channel. If there is, then the scanner pauses on the transmission until it is over. Simplex Operation Simplex systems use a single frequency for both transmit and receive. Most radios using this type of operation are limited to line-of-sight operation. This type of radio is frequently used at construction job sites, and with inexpensive consumer radios such as LPD/PMR radios. The range is typically 1-15 miles, depending upon the terrain and many other factors. Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT 21

22 UB356ZH.fm Page 22 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Repeater Operation Repeater systems use two frequencies: one transmits from the radio to a central repeater; the other transmits from the repeater to other radios in the system. With a repeater-based system, the repeater is located on top of a tall building or on a radio tower that provides great visibility to the area of operation. When a user transmits (on an input frequency), the signal is picked up by the repeater and retransmitted (on an output frequency). The user s radios always listen for activity on the output frequency and transmit on the input frequency. Since the repeater is located very high, there is a very large line of sight. Typical repeater systems provide coverage out to about a 25-mile radius from the repeater location. What is Trunk Tracking? Your UBC800XLT is designed to track the following types of trunking systems. Motorola Type I, Type II, Type IIi hybrid, SMARTNET, and PRIVACYPLUS analog trunking systems, which are extensively used in 800 MHz communication systems. LTR trunking systems EDACS SCAT trunking systems EDACS trunking systems When tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a frequency used by someone you want to monitor into your scanner s memory. For example, the police in your area might transmit on MHz, the fire department on MHz, the highway department on MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usually know who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun. However, as the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users do not have enough frequencies to meet their needs, creating a serious problem. Trunking radio systems help solve this problem. 22

23 UB356ZH.fm Page 23 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Trunked Scanning While conventional scanning worked great while there were only a few groups wanting to use the frequencies, with the advent of smaller, lower-cost radios more and more agencies and businesses wanted to take advantage of the utility of 2-way radio. As a result, the bands that were used most became full, so new users were not able to take advantage of the technology as quickly as they wanted. Trunking solved this frequency shortage by allowing multiple groups to use the same set of frequencies in a very efficient way. While each type of trunking system operates a little differently (see the next few sections), they all work on the same basic premise: even in a system with a lot of users, only a few users are ever transmitting at any one time. Instead of being assigned a frequency, as with conventional systems, each group is assigned a talk group ID. A central computer controls the frequency each group operates on. This frequency selection is made each time a user transmits. So, while on a conventional system queries, replies, and follow-ups are all on a single frequency, they could each be on completely different frequencies on a trunked system. This semi-random frequency assignment made monitoring such a system impossible prior to Uniden s invention of the TrunkTracker scanner. Not only does your UBC800XLT scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know and program a talk group s ID (TGID), you won t miss any of the action. If you are a new scanner enthusiast, you might want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking. Understanding scanning fundamentals and terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. If you are already an experienced scanner operator, you can review the programming worksheets and their associated pages on the Uniden website. Types of Trunking Systems Trunking systems divide a few frequencies among many different users, but the way that each system does this is slightly different. This section describes some of the technical data behind Motorola, EDACS, and LTR trunked radio systems. Motorola Trunking While there are different types of Motorola trunking systems, they all use the same basic trunking method. The system consists of one control channel (or as many as 4 per system but only one is active at any one time), plus one or more voice Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT 23

24 UB356ZH.fm Page 24 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM channels (typically 10, 20, or 28 total channels). When a user presses Push To Talk (PTT) to transmit, their radio first sends the person s talk group information to the control channel. The computer then assigns that talk group to a specific voice channel and transmits that data over the control channel. All radios in that talk group switch over to the assigned voice channel and the user can begin speaking. This all typically takes place in about a second. The person transmitting hears a beep from their radio when the channel is assigned. Then it is OK to start talking. The systems in use are: Motorola Type I the radios send the radio ID, the fleet and subfleet talk group ID to the control channel each time they transmit. To program a Type I system, you need to know the system s fleet map. The most common fleet maps are included in the Reference section in this manual. You can also find fleet map resources on the web such as at Motorola Type II the radios only send the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel. The central computer keeps a database of radio ID s and which talk group is assigned to which channel code for each radio, so with this system the user s radio sends only about 1 /3 the data as a Type I system with each transmission. Type II systems do not use Fleet-subfleet talk groups; instead they use a 5-digit ID for each talk group. Type IIi Hybrid these systems support a mix of both Type I and Type II users. Like Type I systems, you must know the system s fleet map to ensure proper tracking. EDACS Trunking EDACS trunking works in much the same way as Motorola trunking with a couple of major differences. In an EDACS system, each frequency used by the system is assigned a Logical Channel Number (LCN) so that less data needs to be transmitted by the control channel. Talk groups are assigned in an Agency-Fleet-Subfleet (AFS) hierarchy.there is one variation of EDACS called SCAT that your UBC800XLT can monitor. Logical Channel Numbers each frequency used by the system is assigned an LCN. This information is programmed into each user radio. When a user presses PTT, their radio sends their AFS information to the control channel. The computer then assigns that talk group to a channel and sends the LCN so that all other radios in that talk group will switch to the correct channel. To program an EDACS system in your scanner, you will need to know both the frequencies used by the system and the LCN for each frequency. 24

25 UB356ZH.fm Page 25 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Agency-Fleet-Subfleet talk group ID s for EDACS systems are assigned in a way that makes it easy to see at a glance the affiliation of the user. Each radio is assigned a 2-digit agency identifier from For example, 01 might be used by the police, 02 by the ambulance service, 03 by the fire department, and so on. Each agency is then subdivided up to 16 times to provide fleet identification, and then 8 more times to identify subfleets. For example, the complete AFS for the Police Department West District s dispatch channel might be identifies the agency as the police department, 06 identifies the fleet as the West district, and 2 identifies the subfleet as the dispatch channel. While these assignments are somewhat arbitrary and vary from system to system, there are many resources on the web for finding the assignments for most systems. Because of the logical hierarchy of the AFS system, your UBC800XLT lets you assign wildcard ID s that let you, for example, use only one ID memory to identify all units in either an agency or a fleet. EDACS SCAT (Single Channel Autonomous Trunking) systems operate on a single channel and alternate control data with analog voice traffic. While your UBC800XLT cannot track ID s in this system, it can eliminate the control data so that all you hear is the voice transmissions when you monitor this type of system. LTR Trunking LTR (Logic Trunked Radio) systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair services. These systems encode all control information as digital sub audible data that accompanies each transmission, so there is no separate control channel. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talk groups, which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers. These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where: A = Area code (0 or 1) H = Home repeater (01 through 20) U = User ID (000 through 254) When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR data included with the transmission. In the ID search mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the display. In the ID scan mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the talk group ID list and have not locked out. LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique user ID. Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT 25

26 UB356ZH.fm Page 26 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Startup Configuration Setup/Operation The Startup Configuration option lets you quickly and automatically lock and unlock systems based on your desired configuration. Simply hold down a number button while powering on the scanner or while the opening screens are displayed. Systems assigned to that number are automatically unlocked and systems assigned to other numbers are automatically locked. Systems that are not assigned to any startup configuration are left unchanged. You could use this feature to give you quick, single-press Quick Key access to your favorite systems even when you travel to other locations. For example, if you program your scanner as follows: System/Site Quick Key Configuration 1 Configuration 2 1 Fort Worth Phoenix 2 Tarrant County Mesa 3 Arlington Mariposa Cnty When you are in the Fort Worth area, press [1] while turning on the scanner. System Quick Keys [1], [2], and [3] then allow you to select between the local systems. When you travel to the Phoenix area, hold [2] while turning on the scanner. Now, the Fort Worth systems are locked out and System Quick Keys [1], [2], and [3] allow selection between the Phoenix-area systems. Multi-Site Trunking Some systems covering a very large geographic area use multiple antenna sites that each operate on different frequencies, but that use the same Talk Group ID s for traffic. When programming such a system, you program each site s frequencies and other settings into the system, then program the channels into channel groups within that system. Each site can have its own quick key, so you can turn each individual site on or off while you scan. Since all sites share all the channels within the system, multi-site trunking is much more efficient than programming each site as a separate system. I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) I-calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard by other system users. Your UBC800XLT can receive I-call transmissions. See Setting I-Call 26

27 UB356ZH.fm Page 27 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) on Page 68 for more information about monitoring I-call transmissions. Where To Get More Information By itself, this manual only provides part of what you need to know to have fun scanning how to program and use the scanner. Other sources provide additional information. Information On The Internet The Internet is a great source for current frequencies and information about scanning. Many web sites have lists of frequencies for your area. You can use a search engine to find and use them. Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to, then look up the frequencies and systems used by those agencies. Programming software. Understanding Scanning and the UBC800XLT 27

28 UB356ZH.fm Page 28 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Included With Your Scanner UBC800XLT Scanner AC Adapter (P/N AD-968) Cigarette Lighter Adapter Power Cord Three Wire DC (with Orange Wire See Step6 on Page 33) Power Cord Mounting Bracket and Hardware Push-on type Telescopic Antenna UBC800XLT OWNER S MANUAL OWNER S MANUAL Remote PC to Scanner Cable (scanner plug to Front PC Connecter) Owner s Manual and Other Printed Material 28

29 UB356ZH.fm Page 29 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: The UBC800XLT can be placed on a convenient surface in your home as a base station, and connected to a standard outlet. You must use either the supplied antenna or an electrically correct outdoor antenna, properly and safely mounted at your chosen site. The scanner is also designed to accommodate the DIN-E and ISO-DIN automotive mounting configurations. A DIN-E sleeve is not supplied (optional hardware). The unit can also be placed above or beneath the dash of your vehicle using the supplied bracket and mounting hardware. If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source. To improve the scanner s reception, use an optional external antenna designed for multi-band coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store). If the optional antenna has no cable, use ohms coaxial cable for lead-in. A mating plug might be necessary for the optional antennas. Use an optional mono earphone or mono headset with proper impedance (32 ohms) for private listening. Read the precautions on the inside front cover of this Owners Manual. Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as the kitchen or bathroom. Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents. Base Station This is the simplest approach to let you get started quickly. Decide on a location that is convenient to a nearby wall outlet, has desk space to let you complete your programming worksheets, will safely allow the indoor antenna to be extended, or near a window to use an outdoor antenna. Setting Up Your Scanner 29

30 UB356ZH.fm Page 30 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM UBC800XLT Desk Surface Wood Screws Bracket Mounting Feet (4) Apply beneath the bracket; between bracket and desk surface. To secure the radio, by means of the mounting bracket, to a surface, follow the steps below: 1. Attach the four protective rubber feet to the mounting bracket when you casually use the scanner on a flat surface. Should you desire to permanently mount the scanner, remove the feet and use wood screws through the bracket as described in Steps 2 and Use the bracket as a template to mark positions for the two mounting screws. 3. At the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than the screws. 4. Align the bracket with the threaded holes on the sides of the radio case so the bracket is beneath the radio. Secure the bracket using the two threaded knobs. Never overtighten the knobs. Once the radio is positioned, connect it to a source of AC power using the supplied 13.8V, 750 ma AC adapter. Insert the barrel of the AC adapter to the jack on the rear, upper right side of the radio marked. WARNING! Use only the Uniden-supplied AC adapter with this scanner. 30

31 UB356ZH.fm Page 31 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Insert the connector of the supplied indoor telescoping antenna to the BNC Antenna Connector and apply moderate pressure to secure it. Setting Up an Audio Recording Device or Computer Recording It is best if you plan ahead when you initiate the basic setup of the scanner if you include the components to record incoming reception. You need only an audio recording device which can be controlled by a Voice Operated module (VOX) either externally or from within the unit and the correct connecting cable. The REC jack on the rear apron provides a constant-level audio output which is not affected by the setting of the volume control. Use a mono or stereo cable that ends in a 3.5mm plug for the scanner. The recorder might have its own requirements as to the proper plug. Check the recorder s instructions to be sure. Connect the cable to an external or internal VOX control so that the recorder activates when audio is present. You can also connect the cable to the appropriate input jack on your PC so that with controlling software, you can record to your hard disc. In order for the function to operate, you must set the channel to record. You must also set the system s record option to either All Channel, which will record all channels regardless of any channel s setting, or Marked Channel which only lets recording occur if you have selected record for that channel. Which you choose will depend on various factors. Vehicle Installation You can mount your scanner in your vehicle, using either the supplied bracket or the DIN-E sleeve (optional hardware). Mounting Using the Bracket With the bracket removed from the radio, use the holes in the bracket as a template to initially mark the location you plan to use in your vehicle. Be absolutely certain of what might be behind the mounting surface before making any holes, be it above, or below, or in front of your dash, armrest console, or other location. If you drill carelessly, expensive damage can result. If in doubt, consult your vehicle dealer s service department or a qualified professional installer. Setting Up Your Scanner 31

32 UB356ZH.fm Page 32 Wednesday, December 19, :28 AM Important: AVOID AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ZONES. Ignoring this installation concern may result in bodily harm and the inability of the airbag to perform properly. Bracket Star Washers Mounting Screws UBC800XLT 1. Using appropriate screws or other hardware, secure the bracket. 2. Insert the scanner and insert the bracket knobs to lock the scanner in position. 3. Attach the Cigarette Lighter Power Cord to the rear of the scanner and plug the adapter end into a dash mounted 12V DC socket. 4. Attach a suitable mounted mobile antenna to the antenna jack on the back of the scanner. Mounting Using the DIN-E Sleeve (Optional hardware) If you are unsure about how to install your scanner in your vehicle using the DIN-E sleeve, consult your automobile manufacturer, dealer, or a qualified installer. Before installing, confirm that your scanner fits in the desired mounting area and you have all the necessary materials to complete the task. Your scanner requires a 2 x 7-1/8 x 5-5/16 inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm) mounting area. Allow an additional 2-3/8 inch (60 mm) space behind the unit for connectors and wires. 32